10 Best VPN Apps for Android and iOS

A virtual private network (VPN) enables users to send and receive data across a single or shared network as if their computer systems connected to a private network. The applications running in computer devices like laptops, smartphones, and desktop can utilize VPN’s functionality, security, and management.

This technology was developed to allow executives officers and branch offices, access the head office and corporate resources under a single connection. Internet users use it to secure their transactions, avoid censorship, and bypass geo-restrictions.

The user can also connect to proxy servers to protect personal identity and location from staying hidden on the internet. There are dozens of VPN services working around the world on different servers, and few top ones are listed below.

Best VPN Apps for Android and iOS

1. Private internet access (PIA)

Private internet access, also known as PIA, is a virtual private network provider that offers multiple VPN technologies like PPTP, SOCKS5, OpenVPN, and more. It includes features like connecting with multiple devices, no leaks of IP addresses or data packets, internet kill switch in case of any disruption, and weak connection.

Servers of PIA are located in 54 regions and over 33 countries. It is quite fast in speed and rarely loses any connection because it has unlimited bandwidth. PIA is not free and has three plan tiers. For one month its $6.95, $3.33 for 12 months and $2.91 for 24 months.

The privacy feature is very intuitive and secure; it also offers authentic Google Chrome and Firefox extensions. The performance of PIA has never been down, but there are some countries and regions where the speed might be affected.

2. ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN is a Switzerland-based Android service that allows users to access virtual private networks over the device. Its security features include strong AES 256-bit encryption and OpenVPN protocol. Users can easily surf the browser anonymously with being afraid of losing data-packed or leaking of IP addresses.

It includes unlimited usage, which is supported by servers in various countries. The free version of the app is much easy to interact with and has almost the same features as the paid ones. It supports the torrents, increases the number of devices attached, and speed. ProtonVPN has exceptional security features, no logging policies, and decent customer support.

3. TunnelBear

TunnelBear is a Canadian-based VPN which is acquired by McAfee in 2018. The trial version provides the user with 500MB of data before the user either disconnects or purchases the unlimited subscription plan. If the user does not purchase the plan, 500MB of data will reset every month.

The VPN connection speed is slow, but in security aspect with AES 256-bit encryption and OpenVPN protocol make this app strong. The privacy policies contain no logging, nor collect IP addresses, DSN quires any information about the apps services or website used by the users.

The interface is very easy to interact with and provide a whole navigation system. TunnelBear provides five simultaneous connections, a kill switch, and keeps the user IP anonymous.

4. Surfshark

SurfShark is a virtual private network service that provides a great service on Android devices. Due to the low cost, it has an advantage from other VPN services. It uses a strong VPN protocol, which allows you to have unlimited connections. Beyond that, the application is full of features and has a simple UI.

It also excludes some websites which are not secure for browsing; this feature is called whitelisting. Other features include reliable security, impressive speeds, and the ability to stream geo-restricted content from all over the world.

In the security feature, it provides military-grade AES 265-bit encryption and a Multihop double VPN chain, which can encrypt your data across two more servers that enhance your security.

5. Windscribe

Windscribe is a company that provides a virtual private network for secure and anonymous browsing and transaction. VPNs have many uses like bypassing the geo-restriction, watching streaming media, or interacting with corporate offices over secure and private connections.

It includes features such as stealth mode, Adblocker, peer-to-peer support, extensions for Google Chrome and Firefox, unlimited bandwidth, and more. When it comes to privacy and encryption features, WindScribe has an amazing protocol that allows the users to take full benefits of the features. There are logs register in this service.

However, it holds information of users who are subscribed to free trial, so they don’t go over the bandwidth limit. While using the app, it shows the countries who have a more reliable connection.

6. IPVanish

IPVanish is an American based VPN service provider that allows its users to appear in more than 60 countries. The user interface is simple and easy to navigate. Kill switch provides a safe line until it is disrupted, and there is a chance of DSN and IPv6 leak. It has unlimited bandwidth and P2P connections. It is well secured and provides user support with a chat module for the user 24/7.

The security feature of this service is very reliable, which means that no data packets are lost, and there are no IP leaks. The user has a wide range of tools and a level of control over their OpenVPN setup. IPVanish uses industry-standard AES-256 encryption and supports highly secure protocols.

7. NordVPN

NordVPN is an Android application that provides a virtual private network for cross-platforms. It provides services for streaming, geo-blocking content, and peer-to-peer connections. It uses AES 256-bit encryption with double data protection, which is only used by industries. It has easy UI and does not allow logging.

It offers a kill switch feature that cuts your connection if your connectivity is interrupted, so the user doesn’t suffer any DNS leaks. NordVPN is best for the P2P relationship because it has many servers around the world. It consists of a knowledgeable customer support team offering live chat service.

8. VyprVPN

VyprVPN is a virtual private network application that runs on Android. It provides a secure and private connection to its users for masked transactions and anonymous browsing over the internet. Performance Vypr is excellent under extensive speed tests, and results came perfectly in long-distance tests and reliability tests.

It has more than 700 servers active in over 70 countries with more than 200,000 IP addresses. The user interface is very intuitive, and the GUI factor is well optimized. It is not a free app and has two pricing options. Basic, $9.95 per month or $3.75 per month billed annually, and Premium, $12.95 monthly, or $5.00 per month annually.

9. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is a virtual private network service, runs on multiple platforms that encrypt users’ web traffic and hides their IP addresses. The application is user-friendly and straightforward and comes with lots of advanced tools that boast an SSL-secured network with 256-bit encryption with unlimited bandwidth and speed.

The most notable feature is that it offers you the location of servers where the connection will be most secure, and you can also save servers for faster access. ExpressVPN is not a free application and offers three price plans, such as $12.95 a month, $59.95 for six months, and $99.95 for 12 months with three months extra.

This Android app provides access to high-speed servers across 94 countries around the world and compatible with all mobile devices.

10. HotSpot Shield

HotSpot Shield creates a virtual private network between your device and the internet. So, when you conduct any business or surf a website, it doesn’t reveal your identity. HotSpot Shield has more than 650 million users and comes with two plans, such as a free VPN service and paid service called HotSpot Shield Elite.

HotSpot shield establishes a connection over a public server and encrypts it for the user. The connection provides a security feature and does not allow the IP address of the user to be leaked. It cannot make the user anonymous, but it can greatly increase privacy and security.

Its customer support is available 24/7 and has a feature of live chat. The user interface is straightforward to interact with, and it creates a good user experience for new users.

Bryson is a tech enthusiast and a full-time blogger who specialized in new technologies and gadgets. He is a Computer Engineer by qualification and loves to write about software, hardware, news, reviews, how-tos, and more.